Pakistani Christian woman Aasia Bibi still lives the life of a prisoner, nearly three months after she was released from death row after being acquitted of blasphemy.
Bibi spends her days in seclusion for fear of being targeted by angry mobs clamouring for her death.
Pakistani security forces guarding the 54-year-old Bibi prevent her from opening a window in her hiding place, let alone going outside, a friend said.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is weighing a petition by Islamist extremists and right-wing religious parties that rallied against her acquittal and demand her execution.
Under Pakistan's blasphemy law, a charge of insulting Islam can bring the death penalty.
Bibi was convicted and sentenced to death in 2010 after rowing with fellow farm workers who refused to drink water from the same container as a Christian.
After eight years on death row, the Supreme Court acquitted Bibi on October 31, sparking nationwide protests.
From her secret location, which authorities maintain is for her own protection, Bibi is not allowed by Pakistan's security forces to give interviews.
Even her friends and those few who have access to her are afraid to be identified and agreed to talk to a reporter only on condition of anonymity.
One of her friends says Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, who was wounded by a gunshot fired by a protester calling for Bibi's death, is with her in hiding.
Her two daughters, Eisham, 20 and Esha, 19, were spirited out of Pakistan.
Bibi's hiding place is comfortable enough, but it's still a jail of sorts, the friend said, adding that Bibi's only hope is that some day the family will be reunited abroad.
Australian Associated Press